IPS (Indian Patent Stone) is a thick, site-laid cement concrete floor, divided into panels and finished with cement slurry. It is functional and economical, but grey, jointed and prone to hairline cracks and dusting. Micro concrete and microcement are thin decorative toppings that can go over a sound existing floor, including IPS, to give a seamless, coloured and sealed surface.
In short: IPS is a base floor; micro concrete and microcement are finishes.
What Is IPS Flooring?
An in-situ cement concrete floor common in Indian homes, schools, parking areas and service spaces. It is usually laid in panels separated by glass, aluminium or PVC strips to control cracking, then finished by neat cement punning to a smooth grey surface. It is quick and inexpensive to lay but typically looks plain and can develop hairline cracks and surface dust over time.
What Are Micro Concrete and Microcement?
Thin cement-based decorative coatings. Colortale's micro concrete uses micro silica for strength, is designed for heavy-traffic floors and is described as crack-resistant; its low density lets it spread over existing substrates. Micro cement is thinner and finer, used for floors, walls, stairs and furniture, and is waterproof when sealed properly. The difference between the two is in micro cement vs micro concrete. Colortale gives a typical micro cement layer of 2 to 3 mm (micro cement, FAQ).
Comparison Table
| Factor | IPS flooring | Micro concrete | Microcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Base floor | Decorative topping, floors | Decorative topping, floors and walls |
| Build | Thick, site-laid | Thin layer | Thinner layers |
| Joints | Panel strips | Seamless (movement joints kept) | Seamless (movement joints kept) |
| Finish | Grey cement punning | Coloured, sealed | Coloured, sealed, finer texture |
| Dusting | Common if unsealed | Sealed surface | Sealed surface |
| Cracks | Hairline cracks common | Crack-resistant mix | Depends on base and system |
| Over existing floor | Replaces or overlays thickly | Usually, after preparation | Usually, after preparation |
| Typical use | Service areas, parking, base floors | Homes, retail, terraces | Homes, bathrooms, walls, stairs |
Can Micro Concrete or Microcement Go Over IPS?
Usually, if the IPS is sound. Hollow areas must be fixed, cracks treated, loose punning removed and the surface cleaned and primed. Existing panel strips are filled or ground flush, and real structural joints are kept. Steps are in the microcement application process.
What About Polymer Modified Mortar and GP2?
These are repair and levelling materials, not decorative finishes. They may be used to prepare or level a base before a micro topping. Ask your applicator what the base needs.
What About Red Oxide Flooring?
Red oxide is a traditional coloured cement floor, laid and polished on site, that many older Indian homes still have. Colortale does not supply red oxide flooring. If you want a seamless coloured floor from Colortale's range, look at micro concrete or microcement, and ask for a site check of the existing floor.
When Is IPS Still the Right Choice?
For utility areas, parking, stores and as a base for later finishes, IPS remains practical and economical. When appearance matters, a decorative topping over it gives a modern look without breaking it out. Comparing with a ground and polished slab instead? See micro concrete vs polished concrete.
IPS or Micro Topping: The Short Answer
Use IPS as a functional base. Use micro concrete or microcement when you want a seamless, coloured, sealed surface. Contact us to check whether your existing floor is a suitable base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Micro Concrete vs IPS Flooring
What is IPS flooring?
Indian Patent Stone flooring is a site-laid cement concrete floor laid in panels and finished with cement slurry.
What is the difference between micro concrete and IPS?
IPS is a thick, grey base floor with panel joints. Micro concrete is a thin, decorative, sealed topping that can go over a sound base.
Can micro concrete be applied over IPS flooring?
Usually, if the IPS is sound and properly prepared and primed.
Is micro concrete stronger than IPS?
They do different jobs. Colortale's micro concrete uses micro silica for strength as a topping, while IPS is the structural floor layer.
Does micro concrete crack like IPS?
Colortale's micro concrete is designed to be crack-resistant, but cracks in the base or movement joints can still show through.
Does IPS flooring create dust?
Unsealed cement finishes can dust over time. Decorative toppings are sealed.
Is microcement or micro concrete better over IPS?
Micro concrete suits busy floors and terraces; microcement suits finer finishes and continuing onto walls.
Does Colortale lay red oxide flooring?
No. Colortale offers micro concrete and microcement as seamless coloured floors instead.
Is GP2 the same as micro concrete?
No. GP2 is used for repairs and levelling, not as a decorative finish.
